Customer Reviews

Operas of Verdi: From "Don Carlos" to "Falstaff" v. 3

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It is a pity that Vol. 3 of Julian Budden's <The Operas of Verdi> (Oxford, 1973) is no longer available except through secondhand dealers on and off the internet. But just the first two volumes are a terrific research tool and reference source for any one truly interested in enjoying and fully appreciating the operas of Verdi.

Volume 1 covers "Oberto" to "Rigoletto," 2 covers "Il Trovatore" to ""La Forza del Destino," and 3 "Don Carlos" to the final "Falstaff." The revised edition, which is now available in paperback format, begins with an introduction to Verdi and his times and a general consideration of the early operas. Volume 2 offers two chapters on the changing traditions in Italian opera and Verdi's maturing in his craft; while Volume 3 (in the hardcover edition I managed to find) plunges directly into the operas.

Each opera is handled in two sections. First an in-depth narration of the circumstances leading to the creation and opening night of each work, and then a scene by scene analysis of plot and music. This differs from the organization of the one-volume Charles Osborne book, "The Complete Operas of Verdi," which treats the music separately from plot. As much as I admire and have used that work for years, I believe the Budden volumes--so much fuller and therefore so much more useful--will supplant it from this time forward.

I can only urge Oxford to reissue that 3rd volume as soon as possible.

Many critics (musicologists and otherwise) have written monographs on Verdi and his operatic works, but these three volumes are what you should go to first for a thorough and thoughtful reading of each of the operas. Budden devotes a chapter to each opera, providing excerpts from the score to illustrate Verdi's art and genius. A very handy reference work.

I finally ordered this book, and I love it. I wish I had got it years ago. Covers the history, the music, and story of each Verdi opera up to Rigoletto. After reading about one of the operas, you will find that you enjoy it more the next time you hear it. If you like Verdi, you should have this book in your library!